Dog Safety at Home - Tips On Making Your Home Dog Proof!
Last time I spoke about dog proofing your home, more in an aesthetic way. Today will talk more regarding safety in the house if you have a dog. When a house is built or bought, dogs or other pets are not though of in the process. It is designed more for our sake and what is best for humans. So naturally when we buy a dog, we have to make some adjustments to ensure safety and better functionality.
So here are some tips that can be of use to you:
- Understand the issues they may face – we often forget how different we are from dogs at times. They will see everything a bit differently to us, mainly because of their size, body and movements. You have to put yourself in their place, maybe even get down on all fours at their level to see your house and see potential dangers that can occur at that level.
- Lock cabinets/cupboards – especially at the floor level if there are dangerous materials inside, such as cleaning equipment, bleaches etc. Can place some child safety locks on for easy locking.
- Baby gates to stop access to certain areas – there may be areas in the house you do not want the dog going. And those baby gates are a good way of blocking access to certain rooms, or stairs if you want to keep them on one floor.
- Don’t leave food or medication around, where they can easily get it or access. Also the trashcan can’t be easy to open, usually a foot pedal one works well.
- Plants – Make sure they are safe and toxin free and dog friendly.
- Close the doors to fridge, ovens, tumble dryers etc, especially if a small dog is around.
- Windows should be shut if they can access them especially on higher floors
- Candles, incense and oil burner/diffusers are too risky around dogs usually.
- Keep all electrically wires tidy and out of sight. There are many tool and gadgets out there where you can get wires together and protect them and give your house a cleaner look at the same time.
- Keep toilet lid down!
- Dog cage – if you use one, make sure it is a good size and safe. Are useful when dogs left unsupervised.
Let me know of any other tips you may have that can help?
Take care,
Sarah
